Preview — Errant
by Diana Peterfreund

In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter's arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.

A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund's killerIn 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter's arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.

A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund's killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT....more

Kindle Edition, 33 pages

Published
April 3rd 2011
by Noise Court Press
(first published April 1st 2011)

Community Reviews

Me and killer unicorns, we go way back. The first time I heard of their existence it was like finding that missing piece that completes you into a whole being. It filled the empty little place in my heart. And still now, I can't get enough.

Errant is a short story of about 30 pages, set in historical France. Gitta, a unicorn hunter trained in Rome, is summoned to help in a symbolic unicorn hunt. But there is more magic hiding in this estate than she expected...

I loved how in this tiny short storyMe and killer unicorns, we go way back. The first time I heard of their existence it was like finding that missing piece that completes you into a whole being. It filled the empty little place in my heart. And still now, I can't get enough.

Errant is a short story of about 30 pages, set in historical France. Gitta, a unicorn hunter trained in Rome, is summoned to help in a symbolic unicorn hunt. But there is more magic hiding in this estate than she expected...

I loved how in this tiny short story, Ms Peterfreund manages to insert several plot twists, character development and a teasing insight into the world of unicorn hunters. The story stands completely on its own, making it accessible for both die-hard fans and the relatively ignorant.

A short story set in the same universe as the killer unicorns in Rampant and Ascendant, Errant is just as awesome as Rampant. I like unicorns; when they’re bad. Luckily, Diana Peterfreund’s unicorns are just the kind of unicorns that I love to read about.Errant starts off a little confusing as you’re not too sure whats happening, who it’s happening to and why it’s happening but as you read on things become quite a lot clearer and it’s quite an interesting story.I love Diana’s writing, I’ve readA short story set in the same universe as the killer unicorns in Rampant and Ascendant, Errant is just as awesome as Rampant. I like unicorns; when they’re bad. Luckily, Diana Peterfreund’s unicorns are just the kind of unicorns that I love to read about.Errant starts off a little confusing as you’re not too sure whats happening, who it’s happening to and why it’s happening but as you read on things become quite a lot clearer and it’s quite an interesting story.I love Diana’s writing, I’ve read Rampant and a short story in the Zombies Vs Unicorns anthology and her writing was just as superb as in Errant. The words flow and the descriptions are pretty vivid so you can imagine what these unicorns look like immediately.Another really good thing about Errant is that while it is set in the same universe as Rampant and Ascendant you don't really have to have read them to enjoy the story. You'll be missing a bit of the back story but it works quite well as a little introduction to the universe of the killer unicorns.I liked both main female characters, they were both really different and I really liked that. The ending was quite surprising as I did not expect it but it was still really good.Errant is a very short story so it doesn’t take too long to read. I really enjoyed it and if you’re a fan of Diana’s Killer Unicorn series then you’ll definitely love this one as it runs along the same veins. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already....more

Synopsis:"In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter’s arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.

A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund’s killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT"

My Review: This was a short story that takes placeSynopsis:"In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter’s arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.

A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund’s killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT"

My Review: This was a short story that takes place prior to the first two books of the Killer Unicorns series. I think this was the best one so far! The characters were strong, the story line and idea clear, and it kept me wanting to know more! It was great seeing young girls standing up for themselves even in a time when it was not done, with the help of the Unicorns of course. This is a great little teaser to go with the other two books, in fact I would have liked the series to focus on this story and these characters because I am more attached to them in that short time than in both Rampant and Ascendant....more

This is a short story which I read on my kindle. Errant is part of Peterfreund’s series which includes Rampant and Ascedant but it is important that you understand that Errant is a stand-alone story. I have not read either of the other books and had no problem reading Errant.The premise behind the story, and the series is that unicorns are not the innocent creatures we remember from childhood fairy tales. They are nasty creatures who would just as soon eat you as look at you. Even though I haveThis is a short story which I read on my kindle. Errant is part of Peterfreund’s series which includes Rampant and Ascedant but it is important that you understand that Errant is a stand-alone story. I have not read either of the other books and had no problem reading Errant.The premise behind the story, and the series is that unicorns are not the innocent creatures we remember from childhood fairy tales. They are nasty creatures who would just as soon eat you as look at you. Even though I have always been a lover of unicorns, I love the idea of changing their mythology.

I want to start out by saying that I did enjoy this story. I also can’t shake the feeling that I would have preferred it to be longer, maybe a novella as opposed to a short story. The longer format would have made it possible for Peterfreund to develop her characters a bit more. She did an excellent job of creating a good plot, I just wish I would have been more invested in her characters.

The story reads very quickly and is interesting. It is a great download if you are looking for something that will allow you to pass the time at the doctor’s office, or while waiting in line at the post office. It is also a great story if you need to decide if you can abide the idea of evil unicorns before investing in Rampant.

I predict that if you enjoy the novels written by Robin McKinley, that you will enjoy this short story.

Not bad, a little excursion to further realms of Peterfreund's Killer Unicorns-Universe. She always makes interesting statements about feminism and empowerment in her stories, and on top of things gives us fierce unicorns, what's not to like? Well, I liked this but did not love it as much as I did "Rampant" and "Ascendant", even the other short story I read by her, "The Care and Feeding of your Baby Killer Unicorn" did grab me more, well, I guess medieval tales are not really my thing though itNot bad, a little excursion to further realms of Peterfreund's Killer Unicorns-Universe. She always makes interesting statements about feminism and empowerment in her stories, and on top of things gives us fierce unicorns, what's not to like? Well, I liked this but did not love it as much as I did "Rampant" and "Ascendant", even the other short story I read by her, "The Care and Feeding of your Baby Killer Unicorn" did grab me more, well, I guess medieval tales are not really my thing though it was a nice novelty for once. The virgin factor is still a tad bothersome to me but at least there is a welcome spin on it (as usual).The story fits perfectly with her other installments but is a bit too short for fans and probably not very interesting for people who do not know the series. But I give her that she created great characters in those couple of pages and a good enough scenario to make it a complete story. But what I actually want is the third book of the killer unicorns, hopefully we will get to see that a day not to far away......more

I read this short story in a collection of short stories (Kiss Me Deadly). I didn't really get how it was related to the topic of paranormal love, and I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't love Rampant, Peterfreund's first unicorn book, either, so it shouldn't be a shock. But this story was in many ways even stranger than Rampant. Gitta, the angry dirty travelling nun with her own personal unicorn, was not very sympathetic, despite improving as the story went along. I didn't understand her motivatiI read this short story in a collection of short stories (Kiss Me Deadly). I didn't really get how it was related to the topic of paranormal love, and I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't love Rampant, Peterfreund's first unicorn book, either, so it shouldn't be a shock. But this story was in many ways even stranger than Rampant. Gitta, the angry dirty travelling nun with her own personal unicorn, was not very sympathetic, despite improving as the story went along. I didn't understand her motivations for her behavior, including for putting her unicorn at risk. Elise was more sympathetic, perhaps because her life really sucked, and she was a kinder, more polite person. I appreciated her love of gardening and her tenderness to animals. There was no one else likable in the story, and a surprising amount of cruelty to animals, animal deaths, and planned animal deaths in such a short story. I guess Peterfreund was just painting a dark picture, but it was too dark for me. I didn't enjoy the story, and now I really won't be reading the second Rampant book. ...more

This was a fun little introduction to the world of Killer Unicorns. As I understand, it is stand-alone and does not relate directly to the other two novels in that world. As a taste, it was interesting. I felt it could've used a little more showing & less telling, but I'm glad I read it and am definitely looking forward to reading the others.

What a great short story! I love this world of killer unicorns, as silly as it sounds. The imagery is beautiful, the characters are thoughtful, and the prose is well written. I was so glad to hear there was more to this world, even though it was only a short story. I love the different take on unicorns. They are not the friendly creatures fairy tails have us believe. They kill anyone who isn't a virgin maiden. Killer, bloodthirsty unicorns. Love it.

This short story has nothing to do with the othWhat a great short story! I love this world of killer unicorns, as silly as it sounds. The imagery is beautiful, the characters are thoughtful, and the prose is well written. I was so glad to hear there was more to this world, even though it was only a short story. I love the different take on unicorns. They are not the friendly creatures fairy tails have us believe. They kill anyone who isn't a virgin maiden. Killer, bloodthirsty unicorns. Love it.

This short story has nothing to do with the other two books. It's fine all on its own, and could really work as a prequel. If you're unsure of wanting to read the series, try this short story first to see if you enjoy the idea of unicorn hunters. Not nearly as much action in this short story, but still a fun read....more

Interesting addition to the Killer Unicorns universe. I like the emphasis on the historical unicorn hunters, as well as tying actual depictions of unicorn hunts and tapestry. That said, I wish there would have been more of Elise’s quiet strength, and her build-up to defying her family and fiance’s wishes at the end. Gitta’s story is strong, and I liked her relationship with Enyo the unicorn. It’s not a bad short story, and I’d recommend it for fans of the Killer Unicorns series, but it didn’t haInteresting addition to the Killer Unicorns universe. I like the emphasis on the historical unicorn hunters, as well as tying actual depictions of unicorn hunts and tapestry. That said, I wish there would have been more of Elise’s quiet strength, and her build-up to defying her family and fiance’s wishes at the end. Gitta’s story is strong, and I liked her relationship with Enyo the unicorn. It’s not a bad short story, and I’d recommend it for fans of the Killer Unicorns series, but it didn’t have the same drawing in as Rampant or “The Care and Keeping of Your Killer Unicorn” did. (Note: I got those during the free Smashwords promo last month.)...more

so it's well established i love killer unicorns, and i love everything Diana Peterfreund writes.

but let me say why i loved this short story.

what endears me to peterfreund is that it's clear she does her research. here with have gitta, a unicorn hunter nun, and elise, a noble french maiden. this is about tradition, and magic, desire and reality, duty and dreams. it's short, being a short story, but there is such detail. and enyo! and enyo's story. the little zhi and poor bijoux.

it's historicalso it's well established i love killer unicorns, and i love everything Diana Peterfreund writes.

but let me say why i loved this short story.

what endears me to peterfreund is that it's clear she does her research. here with have gitta, a unicorn hunter nun, and elise, a noble french maiden. this is about tradition, and magic, desire and reality, duty and dreams. it's short, being a short story, but there is such detail. and enyo! and enyo's story. the little zhi and poor bijoux.

I can't believe they wanted to kill a unicorn for the hunt because of a betrothal celebration and start of the wedding party!!! Don't they know that unicorns are magical beings and hard to find??!!?? They should talk to Voldemort on how hard to find and what the price is to kill a unicorn!!!

The unicorn is eating the peacock!!! Where is Hagrid, obviously, the sister from Rome doesn't know how to take care of the unicorn.

Order of the Lioness...maidens of the blood... hNice and interesting story!!!

I can't believe they wanted to kill a unicorn for the hunt because of a betrothal celebration and start of the wedding party!!! Don't they know that unicorns are magical beings and hard to find??!!?? They should talk to Voldemort on how hard to find and what the price is to kill a unicorn!!!

The unicorn is eating the peacock!!! Where is Hagrid, obviously, the sister from Rome doesn't know how to take care of the unicorn.

Order of the Lioness...maidens of the blood... hunt for unicorn tradition...nun huntress...evil cousins...philandering fiancé...magical connection with unicorns......more

I have had Rampant on my shelf for ages now and I am moving it up on my TBR list because I enjoyed this short novella so much! I began reading Errant and thought I was gonna just have to put it down because I could not fathom why anybody would want to kill a unicorn! I was really getting upset and still had an upsetting moment in the story (that had nothing to do with the Unicorn) but don't want to give that away...

There is not much I can say without unloading the entire story but it's basicallyI have had Rampant on my shelf for ages now and I am moving it up on my TBR list because I enjoyed this short novella so much! I began reading Errant and thought I was gonna just have to put it down because I could not fathom why anybody would want to kill a unicorn! I was really getting upset and still had an upsetting moment in the story (that had nothing to do with the Unicorn) but don't want to give that away...

There is not much I can say without unloading the entire story but it's basically about a Unicorn Hunter who has to train a lady to become a unicorn killer before her wedding. ...more

I really like this world that Peterfreund has created, and I liked the direction this story took, but, as is usually the case with these novellas people keep putting out these days, it felt like the end came a little too abruptly and that the main problems were solved a little too easily. I definitely liked the two main characters, I just would have preferred a bit more depth to the story. But then, I'm not sure how much depth you can really squeeze in in so few pages. This is why I just don't lI really like this world that Peterfreund has created, and I liked the direction this story took, but, as is usually the case with these novellas people keep putting out these days, it felt like the end came a little too abruptly and that the main problems were solved a little too easily. I definitely liked the two main characters, I just would have preferred a bit more depth to the story. But then, I'm not sure how much depth you can really squeeze in in so few pages. This is why I just don't love novellas... ...more

A wonderful little standalone short story set in Peterfreund's world of her "Killer Unicorns" story. This is a departure from the two novels (and her other short story, "The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn") because the story takes place in the 18th century as opposed to modern times. I love this because it shows how much Peterfreund has to mine in this universe where kick-ass nuns slay evil unicorns. I hope she never stops writing about these foul beasts and the babes who fight theA wonderful little standalone short story set in Peterfreund's world of her "Killer Unicorns" story. This is a departure from the two novels (and her other short story, "The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn") because the story takes place in the 18th century as opposed to modern times. I love this because it shows how much Peterfreund has to mine in this universe where kick-ass nuns slay evil unicorns. I hope she never stops writing about these foul beasts and the babes who fight them.

Quick short story to go along with the killer unicorns series. I liked getting things from both girls' perspectives and thought it gave some good background to the series. I'd recommend it to anyone who's been reading the series, or even thinking about it (I don't believe it has any spoilers for the series itself).

I love me some warrior unicorns. ("The Firebringer Trilogy" is made of Epic.) I love me some female empowerment. Alternate history is fun. But for some reason, this one never quite "grabbed" me. I liked it, just didn't *really* like it. But it was well done and a good read for what it was.

I really, really liked this story. I am going to get Rampant and Ascendant. This story caught me and I want to read more about these unicorns. This story was catching, easy to read, really great discriptions, fun and I was stuck. Must Read this book, and I totally recommend it to others!!!!!!

I read this on a lark, thinking it would be hilarious. BUT I was surprised. The mythology is actually pretty good and in a short span of pages, some serious characters were drawn. I was actually attached to the unicorn! I'll prob check this series out in spite of myself.

I've been reading this short story on and off when I've had a few extra minutes on my hands. I liked it, but not as much as I did Rampant. It contains different characters. Overall, it worked for great reading while waiting in line at the Secretary of State, etc...

I liked this addition to the world of Killer Unicorns. It was interesting to see how the hunters were functioning in the ages between roman and modern times. I liked the in between of it and the way characters treated the concept of unicorns and hunters.

I found this to be a surprisingly entertaining short read. Peterfreund has a clever and yet poetic voice that drew me into this world straight away. I am now interested in seeking out her traditionally-pubbed features.

Diana Peterfreund has been a costume designer, a cover model, and a food critic. Her travels have taken her from the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the underground caverns of New Zealand (and as far as she’s concerned, she’s just getting started). Diana graduated from Yale University in 2001 with dual degrees in Literature and Geology, which her family claimed would only come in handy if she wroteDiana Peterfreund has been a costume designer, a cover model, and a food critic. Her travels have taken her from the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the underground caverns of New Zealand (and as far as she’s concerned, she’s just getting started). Diana graduated from Yale University in 2001 with dual degrees in Literature and Geology, which her family claimed would only come in handy if she wrote books about rocks. Now, this Florida girl lives with her husband and their puppy in Washington D.C., and writes books that rock

Her first novel, Secret Society Girl (2006), was described as “witty and endearing” by The New York Observer and was placed on the New York Public LIbrary’s 2007 Books for the Teen Age list. The follow-up, Under the Rose (2007) was deemed “impossible to put down” by Publisher’s Weekly, and Booklist called the third book, Rites of Spring (Break) (2008), “an ideal summer read.” The final book in the series, Tap & Gown, will be released in 2009. All titles are available from Bantam Dell.

She also contributed to the non-fiction anthologies, Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, edited by Jennifer O’Connell (Pocket Books, 2007), The World of the Golden Compass, edited by Scott Westerfeld (BenBella Books, 2007), and Through the Wardrobe, edited by Herbie Brennan (BenBella Books, 2008).

Her first young adult novel, Rampant, an adventure fantasy about killer unicorns and the virgin descendents of Alexander the Great who hunt them, will be released by Harper Collins in 2009. When she’s not writing, Diana volunteers at the National Zoo, adds movies she has no intention of watching to her Netflix queue, and plays with her puppy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Rio....more